Click “Launch Event” to identify the ACB Media stream for each event.
Events in July 2025
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AABT Breakfast From Smart Devices to Chatbots How AI Is Helpful for Blind Students AABT Breakfast From Smart Devices to Chatbots How AI Is Helpful for Blind Students
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July 5, 2025AI is not here to replace teachers-it’s a tool that can support learning in new ways. From reading text aloud to providing descriptions of images. AI helps blind students access information, work creatively, and engage in the classroom. Learn how AI can make education easier, not harder. Presenter: Shawn Keen, AI Guru, AI For The Blind, Fort Worth, TX.
Achieving Unity in the Face of Disagreement Achieving Unity in the Face of Disagreement
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July 5, 2025In recent years, American Society has become increasingly polarized around political and other differences in belief. As ACB is a microcosm of society, it is likely our affiliates and local chapters are facing polarization among members. This program will help leaders explore how they can achieve unity in the face of disagreement to help move their organization’s programs and activities forward. Through sharing information and role play, we hope you will come away from this activity with tools that will help you be an affective leader in the face of all that is happening around you. Presenter: Rahel Tesfaye, Graduate Student, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas TX.
Achieving Unity in the Face of Disagreement continued ACB Affiliate and National expectations Workshop ACB Affiliate and National expectations Workshop
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July 5, 2025From Charters and Chapters to autonomy and accountability – These topics and more will be explored with ACB’s parliamentarian as we continue our work to strengthen and renew our affiliate and national expectations policy. Affiliate and chapter leaders are encouraged to attend. Facilitator: Deb Cook Lewis, ACB President; Julie Palm, PRP, ACB Parliamentarian
Bringing Meaning to Your Business Bringing Meaning to Your Business
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July 5, 2025Our speaker will use personal experiences to highlight how using the mission and goals of the business will help it thrive. The main focus is on bringing meaning into their business to ensure the passion for the business continues. Presenter: Dan Lococo, PhD, Affinity By Design, Inc., Milwaukee, WI.
Shifting Mental Health Culture Through Storytelling Shifting Mental Health Culture Through Storytelling
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July 5, 2025Mental health affects us all. Yet stigma, shame and fear of judgement are major contributors to the high rate of mental illness among minority populations. This session explor how storytelling can make a difference. Co-sponsored by: ACB Mental Health and Wellness Committee, Multicultural Affairs Committee
Tips for Preventing Identity Theft Tips for Preventing Identity Theft
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July 5, 2025Speakers will give participants ways to prevent identity theft. You will also learn about recent scams and how to identify them so you don’t get scammed. Panelists: Deborah Joice, Author, Honolulu, HI; Chris Peterson, Founder and CEO, Penny Forward, Richfield, MN.
From Setback to Comeback. Essential Tools for a Successful Career Change After a Job Loss From Setback to Comeback. Essential Tools for a Successful Career Change After a Job Loss
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July 5, 2025This Interactive panel will provide Practical tools and tips from professionals to help you recharge or reinvent your career from resume and interview tips, career assessment/coaching, job search techniques and self-care and mental health advice. Co-sponsored by ACBGE and the Employment Committee Moderator: Pat Sheehan, President, ACB Government Employees – Silver Spring, MD. Panelist: Pam Shaw – Chair – ACB Mental Health and Wellness Committee – Jenkintown, PA; Cheryl Cumings – Workforce Development Manager -Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. – Seattle, WA – ACB Employment Committee; Sara Freeman Smith -Career Navigator/CEO U R Gems, LLC., ACB Employment Committee, Houston, TX.
Introduction to Investing Introduction to Investing
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July 5, 2025Join us for an engaging and accessible ‘Introduction to Investing’ workshop designed especially for beginners. During this interactive session, Chris Peterson, AFC, Cody Bair, CPA, and Kane Brolin, CFP, will introduce Penny Forward’s brand-new online course, Introduction to Investing. You’ll get a clear overview of investing basics, learn how investing can help you build long-term financial security, and explore how blind and low vision people can confidently navigate the investing world. There will also be plenty of time for questions, so bring your curiosity-we’re here to help you take the first steps toward becoming an informed investor. Presenters: Chris Peterson, AFC, Richfield, MN, Cody Bair, CPA, Denver, CO, Kane Brolin, CFP, Mishawak, IN
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ACB Families Breakfast Talks Tech with Tyson ACB Families Breakfast Talks Tech with Tyson
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July 6, 2025This event sold out as of 6/8/2025. When we think about technology, we often think about expensive devices that are priced well beyond our ability to pay. Recently, however, less expensive solutions have made the tech world more reachable for everyone. Tyson Ernst, an access technology instructor with the Orientation and Training Center in Seattle, WA, will help us share information about more affordable options for everyday tasks at home, at work and at play.
BVA is Celebrating 80 Years BVA is Celebrating 80 Years
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July 6, 2025Explore the 80-year history and mission of the Blinded Veterans Association, where blinded veterans support one another. Engage with our Board of Directors and staff to learn about our diverse membership, including blind and low vision veterans. Discover eligibility criteria and how we help members access the benefits they’ve earned. Gain insights into our advocacy efforts for the rights of blind and low vision veterans. Join us to understand the impactful work of BVA and how you can be part of our empowering community by joining the BVA Auxiliary, a group of friends and family who support BVA.
Update on Legislation Update on Legislation
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July 6, 2025Join ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Claire Stanley, as she provides a look at 2025 federal legislation of concern to people with vision loss. She will cover not only those items in which ACB has been involved, but other legislative issues of concern to people with vision loss. Also, we urge attendees who are working on current legislation in their states to report on their progress. Presenter: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA.
Audio Description Peoples Choice Awards Final Voting KickOff Audio Description Peoples Choice Awards Final Voting KickOff
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July 6, 2025The nominations have been counted and it’s time to vote for the best audio description of the last year. Come experience clips of each nominated film and series, and then cast your vote during the convention or when you get home for the two you like most. Learn more about the awards at adawardsgala.org.
The Color of Resilience A Talk and Painting Demonstration with John The Color of Resilience A Talk and Painting Demonstration with John
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July 6, 2025Join internationally acclaimed blind artist John Bramblitt for an inspiring session where he will share the remarkable story of his career. Hear how he overcame the loss of his sight to become a celebrated muralist, speaker, and author. Through heartfelt storytelling and personal insights, he’ll explore themes of creativity, resilience, and inclusion. The session will also feature a live painting demonstration, offering a unique look into John’s innovative techniques. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask questions during the Q and A at the end.
Are We Meeting the Needs of Seniors with Vision Loss Are We Meeting the Needs of Seniors with Vision Loss
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July 6, 2025AAVL examines specialized services for blind or low vision seniors in Texas and look more generally at innovative ways to bridge the enormous level of unmet needs in our nation for these services. What lessons can we learn from the Texas experience and what can we do to enhance services for our community. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, Immediate Past President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Sacramento CA. Presenters: Juanita Barker, Director of Blind Services, Texas Workforce Commission Dallas TX; Stacy Fuller, Vice-President Rehabilitation Services, Envision Inc.TX. Dallas TX; Hannah Christenson, Director Community Services, Envision Inc. TX. Dallas TX.
Transforming Legal Practice and Beyond with AI Products and Services Transforming Legal Practice and Beyond with AI Products and Services
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July 6, 2025Discover with AAVIA how leveraging AI can transform your daily life and professional journey, helping you achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and success in both personal and legal career pursuits. Presenter: Adal Ibrar, London, England
All About the Texas BEP Program All About the Texas BEP Program
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July 6, 2025This session will highlight the Business Enterprise Program in Texas so participants will learn how they train vendors, the types of facilities they have in the program, and some statistics of relevance: gross sales, number of facilities, number of vendors, etc. They will also learn how blind persons can become a vendor in the state.Presenters: Karla Martinez, Training and Development Specialist, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Austin, TX; Crawford J. Odom, BET Business Consultant – District 2, Business Enterprise of Texas – Texas Workforce Commission, Fort Worth, TX and others
Issues in Immigration Today Issues in Immigration Today
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July 6, 2025Hear from a lawyer with decades of experience about the host of matters affecting immigration into the U.S. Presenter: Oliver J. Langstadt, Miami, Florida Co-sponsored by AAVIA and IRC
Discovering the Five Love Languages Connecting Through Care Discovering the Five Love Languages Connecting Through Care
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July 6, 2025Did you know that everyone has a Love Language, the way they best give and receive love? Whether in friendships, family, professional or personal relationships understanding the Five Love Languages can transform how we connect with those around us. Join us for an engaging and interactive event where we’ll explore the Five Love Languages: Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Gifts. We’ll break down what each Love Language means, how they show up in daily life, and how simply learning someone’s Love Language can help you build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Plus, hear from individuals who will share how their Love Languages help to shape the way they connect with others. Sponsored by: ACB Next Generation Presenters: Terrilynn Higashi, Ewa Beach HI; Amanda Selm, Louisville KY.
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Accessibility and Safety Features within the Airplane Cabin Accessibility and Safety Features within the Airplane Cabin
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July 7, 2025GDUI is hosting this hands-on presentation by Julie Rockaway from the American Airlines Inflight Team.
The Supreme Court Term in Review The Supreme Court Term in Review
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July 7, 2025Find out from St. Mary’s University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2024-25 term and its work generally. Presenter: Professor Bill Piatt, San Antonio, Texas
Documenting Slavery in the Southwest Even After the Civil War Documenting Slavery in the Southwest Even After the Civil War
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July 7, 2025See a documentary about Bill Piatt’s book and hear from the St. Mary’s University Law School professor himself. Presenter: Professor Bill Piatt, San Antonio, Texas Co-sponsored by: AAVIA and MCAC
Low Vision Tips and Tech with Sandi Owens Low Vision Tips and Tech with Sandi Owens
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July 7, 2025CCLVI is proud to welcome Sandi Owens, Founder of Making It Visible, LLC, Fayetteville, NC, to lead a discussion on tips, technologies, and techniques for people with low vision. Sandi has a wealth of knowledge from her experiences as a Licensed Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist and Consultant.
ACBs AI and Classroom Assistive Technology ACBs AI and Classroom Assistive Technology
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July 7, 2025Shawn Keen, expert on integration artificial intelligence with assistive technology for the blind, will give an overview of classroom assistive technology and new innovations in the field perpetuated by AI. In college, every class and every professor is different-join us to learn how to take advantage of new technology and excel in various classrooms and environments.
Intertwining Roots The Story of Dallas from a Multicultural Perspective Intertwining Roots The Story of Dallas from a Multicultural Perspective
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July 7, 2025Come hear from a Distinguished Panel of Historians as we explore the rich cultural history of Dallas and how it has grown from a meager enclave into the business mecca of the Southwest. From its beginning, people of different cultural backgrounds have made significant contributions to the city called ‘Big D’. Presenters: Albert Valtierra, Vice President of the Dallas Mexican American League, Dallas, TX; Deecee Cornish, Oral Historian, writer, GRIOT, story teller, educator and Consultant, Fort Worth, TX.
Brain Teasers Exercise Your Mind and Learn About Famous People from Dallas Brain Teasers Exercise Your Mind and Learn About Famous People from Dallas
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July 7, 2025Come and try out your hand at Dallas Texas knowledge! The Multi-Cultural Affairs committee would like to invite you to have some fun with us and see how much you know about the celebrities that are from the Dallas Texas area. This will be a chance to connect with your fellow ACB members and earn some wonderful bragging rights for your celebrity knowledge. Hope to see you there.
Prose and Poetry Reading Prose and Poetry Reading
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July 7, 2025Share some of your original work or just come listen. FAMILY FRIENDLY, PLEASE.
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BRL Breakfast What’s so Great About UEB BRL Breakfast What’s so Great About UEB
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July 8, 2025The Unified English Braille Code (UEB) has met with some controversy and resistance since its adoption in the United States in 2015. Our presenter is a blind NLS Certified UEB Transcriber who will explain the major changes to the braille code introduced by UEB, the reasons for those changes, benefits of UEB, and tips to make learning UEB easier.
BRL Breakfast What’s so Great About UEB BRL Breakfast What’s so Great About UEB
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July 8, 2025The Unified English Braille Code (UEB) has met with some controversy and resistance since its adoption in the United States in 2015. Our presenter is a blind NLS Certified UEB Transcriber who will explain the major changes to the braille code introduced by UEB, the reasons for those changes, benefits of UEB, and tips to make learning UEB easier.
LUA Presents Up Close and Personal with Talking Book Narrator Gary Tipton LUA Presents Up Close and Personal with Talking Book Narrator Gary Tipton
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July 8, 2025Gary Tipton is a long-time narrator at the American Printing House for the Blind, and has read an amazing 789 books in all genres from cookbooks to fantasy. Presenter: Gary Tipton, Louisville, KY; Facilitator: Ralph Smitherman, LUA Secretary, Brandon, MS Co-sponsored by: BRL, AABT and LUA
What’s Late and Great in the Diabetes Management Space for 2025 What’s Late and Great in the Diabetes Management Space for 2025
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July 8, 2025Discussion of the new standards of care for diabetes for 2025. This session will focus on updates in diabetes care and management. We will highlight new drugs to market and delve into navigating the ongoing shortages of GLP1 medications. Updates will be provided on continuous glucose monitor technology, including the Stelo Glucose Biosensor system by Dexcom, available Over the counter, without a prescription; Insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery system advances will also be presented. There will be ample time for open discussion and questions and answers. Facilitator: Tom Tobin, ACBDA Member; Cleveland, OH. Presenters: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Co-Director, Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland, OH; James Montgomery, PharmD, BCACP, Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cleveland Clinic – Solon Family Health Center, Cleveland, OH
Accessibility of Diabetes Tools Accessibility of Diabetes Tools
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July 8, 2025This session will explore the latest advancements in diabetes management tools designed with accessibility in mind for individuals who are blind or have low vision. We will discuss the features and benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMS) such as the prescription-based Freestyle Libre 3+ and Dexcom 7. We will also talk about the over-the-counter options like the Dexcom Stelo, Abbott Lingo, and Abbott Freestyle Rio. as well as InPen and the Prodigy Meter, highlighting their compatibility with various accessibility needs. Additionally, the session will also cover accessible insulin pumps and how they are transforming diabetes care for individuals who are blind or low vision, focusing on the tools’ usability, features, and the support they provide in managing diabetes independently.
LUA Presents a Q and A with the NLS Director LUA Presents a Q and A with the NLS Director
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July 8, 2025NLS Director Jason Broughton will bring us up to speed with happenings at NLS, and answer our questions about this most important service.Presenter: Jason Broughton, Director, NLS, Washington, DCFacilitator: Paul Edwards, Jacksonville, FL
Audio Description and Gaming Accessibility Audio Description and Gaming Accessibility
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July 8, 2025Learn from gaming accessibility experts what the current state of access for gaming, including audio description, is for blind and low vision individuals.
You May be Missing Out on Services for Seniors You May be Missing Out on Services for Seniors
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July 8, 2025Benefits Counseling, Medicare Enrollment, Home Delivered Meals, Fall Prevention Exercises. These are just a sampling of the programs and services which may be available free in your community from a Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging. Join AAVL and learn how you can find out where they are and if you are eligible. Facilitator: Doug Powell, AAVL President, Falls Church, VA. Presenters: Fallon Finney, Program Manager, ADRC of Dallas County Dallas TX; Oliva Umoren, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, US Aging, Washington, DC; Donna Alexander, Director Access and Assistance, Dallas AAA, Community Council of Greater Dallas, Dallas TX; Renae Perry, COO The Senior source, Dallas TX; Jasmine Kelley, the Wellmed Senior Center, Dallas, TX.
GDUI presents Emergency Preparedness for the Blind and Visually Impaired GDUI presents Emergency Preparedness for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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July 8, 2025The Dallas Fire-rescue education team will provide information on dealing with various emergencies. Don’t miss this potentially life-saving session.
Laying the Groundwork Public Transportation Basics for Advocates Laying the Groundwork Public Transportation Basics for Advocates
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July 8, 2025Most decisions about public transportation are made locally. This means that it’s local chapters and state affiliates who are on the front lines of advocating for better and more accessible public transportation. With this in mind, the ACB Transportation Committee is offering this workshop, which will cover the basics of how transit is regulated, funded, planned, operated and managed. It’s practical information, that any ACB leader, transit advisory committee member, or anyone else concerned about transit can use to level up their transit advocacy skills. Presenter: Ron Brooks, Phoenix, AZ
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ACBDA Presents Advocating for Mental Health Techniques in Action ACBDA Presents Advocating for Mental Health Techniques in Action
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July 9, 2025Join Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW and Stephanie Ash, MSW, LSW, Esq. as they review techniques for how people with diabetes can advocate for their mental health! We’ll review ways to identify and combat stigma and stereotypes; learn techniques to successfully engage in self-advocacy with family, friends, and providers and discuss signs of diabetes distress/burnout and how to seek help. Participants will have an opportunity to put learned techniques into action through guided role-plays during the last half of the session and will leave feeling empowered to take action to advocate for their mental health! Facilitator: Randy Knapp, Board Member: ACBDA, Rockville, MD. Presenters: Stephanie L. Ash, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH; Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH.
GDUI Wrap Up and Awards Ceremony Advocacy Bootcamp Advocacy Bootcamp
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July 9, 2025Advocacy can look like a lot of things; there is no right or wrong way to do it. This session will talk through the structure of our government to understand the various platforms in which to advocate through. Then, the discussion will expand further to explore other, out-of-the-box forms of advocacy that do not require engaging with the government at all. Lets put on our thinking caps to find various ways to advocate and make change for the blind and low vision community.
Meal Planning for a Healthy Life with Diabetes Meal Planning for a Healthy Life with Diabetes
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July 9, 2025Three dietitians and diabetes educators from Pennsylvania Hospital will join us in sharing ideas for planning tasty, fun, and interesting meals following eating recommendations for health with diabetes. Deciding what to eat for your meals and snacks every day is certainly a daunting experience and even more, so, when you’re stopping to think about carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nutrition labels, etc. come join us to help pick up some new tips to help make everyday meal planning easier and enjoyable. There will be time for attendees to share their own suggestions and ask any questions about diabetes. Facilitators: Patricia Maddix, ACBDA Board Member, Vancouver, WA; Abigail Chesterson, MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES, Director, Diabetes Education Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Carolyn Ramondo RD, LDN, CDCES, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
A Conversation on the International Blindness Experience A Conversation on the International Blindness Experience
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July 9, 2025This is your opportunity to hear from and ask questions of Dave Williams, Chair, Braillists Foundation who is visiting us from England. He will address the ACB banquet on Thursday, this is your chance to talk with him in an informal setting. Topics will include Worldwide Education of the blind, issues facing blind and visually impaired people in foreign countries, and the global importance of braille. There will be plenty of time for questions. Co-sponsored by: IRC and MCAC
Improving Membership Outcomes by Bridging the gap between Seniors and Younger Members Improving Membership Outcomes by Bridging the gap between Seniors and Younger Members
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July 9, 2025Join the membership committee for a two-part session. Panel 1 Fostering Trust between generations. This panel will give tips for working together with members of all ages. This will provide benefits for using the wisdom of older members and taking advantage of the excitement of new members. Presenters: Amanda Selm, Immediate Past President Next Generation, Louisville, KY; Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA; Sheila Young, Immediate Past President Florida Council of the Blind, Orlando, FL Panel 2 Providing ACB resources to new members. This session will highlight many ACB Programs and documents that many members may not have heard about or been able to use. Participants can then pass on this information to all of their members. Handouts will be available at the event. Presenters: Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director, Greensboro, NC; Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA; Sheila Young, chair ADP Performing Arts, Museums and Parks subcommittee, Orlando, FL; Larry Gassman, ACB Media Coordinator, Fullerton, CA; and Dan Spoone, ACB Director of Operations, Orlando, FL.
Turn Big Dreams into Great Leaders with DKM Turn Big Dreams into Great Leaders with DKM
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July 9, 2025Come and meet the 2025 DKM First Timers and learn how big dreams become reality. Join them and past recipients for a time of sharing and fun!